The detective performs a key role in the story and provides hope to the reader, especially in the time when Sherlock Holmes was written. Victorian life was hard, law-less and dangerous and especially in London. In every story Conan Doyle

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Introduction

A vital component to the detective genre is the sleuth himself who in these stories is portrayed as a convincing, sharp, and witty character; a gentleman with intelligence, more so than the reader and side kick, well rounded and good natured. The detective performs a key role in the story and provides hope to the reader, especially in the time when Sherlock Holmes was written. Victorian life was hard, law-less and dangerous and especially in London. In every story Conan Doyle provides a small insight into Holmes's life and personality, gradually making up a whole figure and mind set of the ingenious detective. 'with thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose' This is taken from the 'Red Headed League' and tells us about his build. He's obviously slim, but also very supple, and his hawk-like nose tells us that he is of noble disposition. This small line from the 'Speckled Band': 'he picked up the steel poker, and with a sudden effort straightened it out again' Shows that even though Sherlock Holmes is not of a stocky build, he still possesses immense strength to be summoned at will. 'his tall spare figure' indicates that his regal features do not stop with his nose. His tall slender stature, 'kindly eye' not a harsh man and with 'long nervous hands' his wiry figure are unmistakable. In 'A Scandal In Bohemia' it makes it very clear that Holmes is so absorbed in his work, he has no time in his busy schedule for the love of the woman, 'all emotions... abhorrent to his cold, precise, but admirably balanced mind.' Shows that although he is a fair and kind man, there is a thin line that Holmes will not cross, as it is evident that his work is of the utmost importance and comes first; 'he never spoke of the softer passions, save with a jibe and a sneer' re-enforces his lack of romance and women in his life. ...read more.

Middle

The second part is the robbery its self, which unlike the robbery in 'the Blue Carbuncle' is accurate and well planned. As Clay is at the head of his profession he has obviously had much experience, this is just like another day at the office. The capture of John Clay by Holmes is a very calm and collected affair, with each man complimenting the other. 'you seem to have done the thing very completely. I must complement you.' From Clay who acts very courteous towards Holmes, and in return is complimented by Holmes. 'and I you...your red headed idea was very new and effective.' Clay then bows to the inevitable and 'walks quietly off in the custody of the detective.' Holmes obviously holds some admiration and respect for Clay, this invites the reader to reciprocate his feelings. Our last story, 'The Speckled Band' is the most serious of all, as it involves cold blooded murder and greed. The stepfather, Dr. Roylott, stands to loose money from his late wife's estate when his two stepdaughters leave his care through marriage. Dr. Roylott is a huge, tall old man, with a violent temper, and short fuse. He's committed acts of aggressive behaviour before, beating his butler to death; has had many disgraceful brawls and incidents with the police, using immense strength he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a stream, and even his stepdaughter confesses that she is also afraid of him. Not just the town folk; 'he is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him.' The perspective of Dr. Roylott is given in such a way that we almost feel in unison with Holmes and his feelings upon the matter. When Holmes hides in the room and the snake slithers through the vent he hits it with his hunting whip and sends it back through into Dr. Roylott's room, where it in-fact kills him. ...read more.

Conclusion

St Clair at her home. The point of crisis is probably when they go to the police station to see Hugh Boone, the beggar. The resolution by Holmes reveals that Hugh Boone was actually Neville St. Clair all along. The reader feels pity for St. Clair having to beg to get money, but also sympathetic that he had to keep his family from his secret and the fact that he had to fake his own death rather than to expose himself as a beggar to them. The beginning of the 'Blue Carbuncle' is Watson calling upon Holmes and joining him examining the hat. The problem to be solved is brought to light by the fact that it has been stolen not long ago, there is no specific crisis as Holmes follows numerous clues to come to the conclusion and suspect who stole the gem. The resolution is when Mr. Ryder effectively breaks down and confesses to Holmes the whole story. The ending is one of disgust as Ryder only thinks of himself, but we also feel a good spirit from Holmes as he lets him go, and out of good will of the season. 'The Spackled Band' begins with Watson giving more information about Holmes, describing him and his numerous habits. The problem to be investigated is when Helen Stoner comes to Holmes to explain her situation about her step father, sister and their place of residence; Stoke Moran. The crisis point is inside the room adjacent to Dr. Roylott's with Holmes sitting in the dark upon the bed. The resolution is shown when Holmes goes into Roylott's room and finds him dead, bitten by the snake. This story is very moral, because Dr. Roylott got what he deserved and the crime was resolved. Each story is unique, but each follows a similar problem which proves very successful, but can become tedious and repetitive, as we can guess the result of the crime. The beginnings and endings, even though are of similar nature do provide verity and interest for the reader. ...read more.

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